Managing Scaffolding Risks

Renting scaffold systems will get your workers some distance off the ground. This is vital for getting construction or renovation tasks done, but protections and safety measures are needed. Other than ensuring guard rails are also rented, how is risk mitigated?

Checking Ground Conditions

Long before you rent the components which will make up a complete working scaffold system, the site must be guaranteed to be stable. Firmness and stability equipment should be used and collecting samples for testing is also possible. When site analysis is complete, only then should you begin working on how many scaffolds to procure. Throughout a project, you'll also need to gauge whether rainy or snowy conditions alter the safety of erected scaffolding. 

Choosing Fiberglass

If wiring an office or updating home wiring, steel, aluminum and metal scaffolding could be risky. Metals are the most conductive materials, making these systems less safe when electricity is involved. For these projects, a choice of clear or colored fiberglass is safer.

Wearing Proper Gear

With guardrails, everyone's guard is lowered, especially if the scaffolds don't seem to be placed that high from ground. Fall protective systems may seem like "too much". However, OSHA requires that fall protection be present at four feet on general industrial sites, six feet up if you're working construction and not much more on other sites. Provide appropriate gear and train every worker. You or a manager should always cast an eye toward each worker to ensure that the harnesses, connectors, anchors and other components are fine too.

Knowing Load Limits

Overloading scaffolds is easy and dangerous. Workers may not want to make repeated trips down and up the ladders with buckets or other items and may stack more than is safe to create fewer trips. Everyone should know maximum pounds or tons for each scaffold.

Inspecting After Erection

Managers should have sustained attention on the integrity of each scaffold and the strength of the entire system. It's vital they have workers remove extra supplies, keep scaffolds clear of unneeded materials and look for any bending or buckling of individual components. In particular, the pieces holding the scaffolds together need regular inspection so that new ones can be delivered by the rental company as needed. This attention could lower injury risk for all present.

Managing scaffolding risks will keep your team safely working. Rental companies will furnish scaffolds and necessary related equipment for that purpose. Talk to a company like Savage Scaffold & Equipment Co. to learn more.

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